Pilkington deaths: no charges against police

Leicestershire Police announce that they will bring no charges against police officers in relation to their conduct leading up to the tragic deaths of Fiona Pilkington and Francecca Hardwick. Their misconduct investigation, which was recommended by the Independent Police Complaints Commission, has concluded with charges being “unproven” against four officers.

“The Leicestershire Police decision has come as a shock to the family. I have tried to find out the reasons for throwing out the misconduct charges but have come up against a brick wall. DCI Brooks emailed me to say “I have reviewed your request and the Force position will be to not release the full rationale relating to the outcome of the recently held misconduct meetings.” Therefore yet again the family have to get the information from the press rather than the police which is not right. I hope the police will change their mind and provide the family with the full rationale.

“My clients hope that Leicestershire Police have learned lessons from the deaths of Fiona and Francecca. They have in fact found individual officers much more helpful in dealing with problems they face. However, they want to be sure that improvements are made across the board and that other vulnerable families also receive the protection and support they need.